JandA_PMA 290_Fiber Optics Test Set_Redacted.pdf

Just to note, this task is only a small part of the tasks included in the 48 hour requirement.

No other automated inspection and cleaning equipment is currently available on the market. In addition, the automated equipment guarantees a more consistent inspection and cleaning than when it is done manually.

6. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE SOLICITED FROM AS MANY

POTENTIAL SOURCES AS PRACTICABLE, INCLUDING IF A NOTICE WILL BE PUBLICIZED AS

REQUIRED BY SUBPART 5.2

The market research conducted by the Contracting Officer and information submitted by the customer for review indicates that only one (1) source is available. Additionally, the Contracting Officer posted a notice of proposed contract action in which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source seven (7) days prior to the issuance of the solicitation. No vendors responded to the notice of proposed contract action. However, capability statements were received from three interested vendors, including FiberQA. The additional two vendors proposed current solutions that have already been determined to not meet the new maintenance requirement and research work to determine an applicable solution, which has already been conducted by NAVAIR.

7. DETERMINATION THAT THE ANTICIPATED AWARD WILL BE FAIR AND REASONABLE:

Because this requirement is one-source, the Government will be utilizing at least two (2) price analysis techniques outlined in FAR 15.404-1 by which to determine pricing submitted by FiberQA to be fair and reasonable. These techniques include, but not limited to the following:

● Requesting recent commercial and Government sales history

● Making indirect pricing comparisons to:

o the same or similar items in the marketplace, o competitive published price lists, and o Independent Government Estimates.

8. DESCRIPTION OF MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND THE RESULTS

Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10 to determine the availability of products capable of meeting the Government’s requirement. A review of schedule contract vendors listed under the GSA Schedule program did not reveal any other items of similar intended functionality, specifications and customizable design features as outlined in this document that are critical to meeting the customer’s need.

An RFI was posted to SAM.gov to find potential vendors that could meet the requirements of this procurement. Three

(3) responses were received from SAM.gov. The first vendor stated that their capability would be to offer the same equipment the P-8A uses at this time to maintain the fiber optic networks installed on the P-8A without the advanced-airborne-systems. It has already been determined that this equipment will not meet the consistency, quality and time requirements to complete this maintenance. The second vendor stated that their capability would be to collect all information about resources, reviewing possible risks, and then creating a rational plan for the entire project. They did not offer an equipment solution only an equipment solution they will find. NAVAIR engineering is technically capable of performing all of the proposed functions. The third vendor, FiberQA, stated that their capability would be to offer an innovative, automated solution that meets the requirements of PMA 290, decreases maintenance processing times, and will provide accurate results to inspection, cleaning, and re-inspection resulting in less issues with fiber optics termini. As such, the results of the market research determined that only FiberQA was capable of meeting the Government’s requirements.

The Contracting Officer also contacted FiberQA to determine if other authorized distributors were available. A representative of FiberQA confirmed that they had attempted to partner with a GSA Schedule contract holder to add this item to the Schedule program, but that effort was unsuccessful. At this time, they do not have any authorized dealers.

9. OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE JUSTIFICATION

Testing of the FiberQA inspection and cleaning equipment was performed at NAS Jacksonville 15-17 February 2022.

The test revealed thatFiberQA’s procedure is not so complex that it would take days of training to certify a maintainer as proficient and should be in the form of a class that included hands on training. It revealed that automated inspection, cleaning, and re-inspection would drastically reduce the time required for the P-8A maintenance procedures. Also, using the correct procedures and specialized equipment gathers consistent and reliable results that are repeatable.

10. LIST OF SOURCES THAT EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN THE ACQUISITION

The two vendors that submitted information and capability statements in writing to the Contracting Officer in response to the RFI are below. No vendor’s responded to the notice of the Government’s intent to negotiate with one source.

Kitco Fiber Optics, Inc.

Kitco Fiber Optics, Inc. was deemed unacceptable as their capability statement proposed a solution that is already in use and does not meet NAVAIR’s requirements.

Fundamental Optical Solutions LLC Fundamental Optical Solutions LLC was deemed unacceptable as their capability statement proposed to find a solution by researching and performing work that has already been done and further state that they will perform work that NAVAIR is capable of performing and in this case, NAVAIR is equally or better qualified to perform the work.

11. STATEMENT OF ACTIONS TO OVERCOME BARRIERS OF COMPETITION

FiberQA is currently the only source capable of meeting the Government’s needs. Prior to any subsequent procurement, the Government will once again review the market using various methods to assess whether any other qualified sources are available and are able to meet the Government’s requirements.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that this support data under my cognizance, which forms a basis for this justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Carlotta Gordon Date US Navy, PMA 290

Approved By:

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

The Contracting Officer has determined that the appropriate actions were taken under this acquisition meet the conditions described in FAR Subpart 13.501, Sole source acquisitions. The information contained in this justification is accurate and complete to the best of the Contracting Officer's knowledge and belief.

Phil Cleveland Date Contracting Officer, Large SOP (7QFAD)

Tammy Mattox Date One Level Above, Large SOP (7QFAD)

Assistant Regional Counsel (LD7) Date

Director, Assisted Acquisition Services (7QFA) Date

COMPETITION ADVOCATE CERTIFICATION

I, the approving authority, determine that the circumstances identified in this document are accurate; therefore, limiting competition to one source under FAR 13.501 is justified. The signature below also represents approval of this Limited Sources Justification.

Mike McDaniel Date Competition Advocate FAS Regional Commissioner’s Officer